A jam-packed schedule of events staged over three days is set to once again wow crowds next year with the return of large-scale events as part of Sutherland Shire Council's traditional program of Australia Day festivities.
With special outdoor cinema screenings, performances by big name Australian acts and talented local performers as well as cultural displays by local Aboriginal elders all set to feature as part of the 2023 program of Australia Day events, organisers have guaranteed there will be something to appeal to all tastes and ages across the three day line-up of events.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said with such a variety of events set to take place embracing a range of perspectives on what it means to be Australian, there would be plenty of opportunity for local residents to embrace the theme of 'Reflect, Respect, Celebrate'.
"For over 20 years, Sutherland Shire Council has delivered an entertaining line-up of events to local residents as a means of bringing our community together to celebrate what it means to be Australian," Mayor Pesce said.
"Our Australia Day concerts have always been one of the most hotly anticipated events on the local social calendar, drawing not just huge crowds of local music fans but also keen interest from further afield.
"In previous years we have seen crowds of up to 35,000 music fans descend on the Sutherland Shire to take in some amazing performances by some big name acts, and with the return of our large scale concerts I am confident we'll see a huge swell of interest in next year's celebrations too."
Audiences can look forward to performances by some internationally renowned artists as part of the Australia Day concert to be staged at Cronulla, with ARIA Award winning indie pop act 'Sheppard' announced as headliners to the event.
The band will be joined by Aussie songstress Samantha Jade and local favourites 'Caravãna Sun' and 'Jess and Matt', delivering a stellar line-up of entertainment for the Australia Day performance.
Music fans can also look forward to seeing a host of talented local performers take the stage as part of a 'Symphony by the Beach' performance to be staged at Cronulla the following day, with the Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra and members of Miranda and Engadine Musical Societies set to put their talents on display.
Next year's Australia Day events will once again be preceded by a sunset cultural ceremony to be staged by local Aboriginal elders at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary in acknowledgement that for our nation's traditional owners Australia Day carries different connotations.
The sunset cultural ceremony, performed against the stirring backdrop of the Woronora River, proved to be a welcome addition to the 2022 Australia Day program, providing a solemn and respectful way to engage with the profound significance of this day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with local elder Dean Kelly inviting local residents to attend.
"Give yourself the opportunity to join us in this important conversation about who we are as people in this country," Mr Kelly said.
Mayor Pesce said Council is focussed on providing a variety of ways for local residents to engage with the occasion, noting that Australia Day means something different to everyone.
"It's an opportunity for everyone to come together to reflect on our nation's past and what this date means for our first nations peoples, to respect the vast array of cultures and traditions that have become part of the Australian cultural landscape and to celebrate the wonderful community we are proud to be a part of and the remarkable people who shape it.
The traditional fireworks display at Cronulla's Australia Day celebrations is scheduled to once again be a feature of the 2023 celebrations, subject to approval from emergency service authorities.
SUNSET CULTURAL CEREMONY, BURNUM BURNUM SANCTUARY WORONORA, WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY
5-8pm Local Aboriginal elders shares stories and culture, featuring traditional dance, music, yarning circle and art display by local community leaders.
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS, BIDDY GILES PARK KIRRAWEE, THURSDAY 26 JANUARY
5:30pm Join us for a family friendly outdoor cinema experience with garden games, free popcorn and local acoustic performances.
CRONULLA BEACH AUSTRALIA DAY PROGRAM, THURSDAY 26 JANUARY
4pm Royal Australian Navy Band
5pm Jess and Matt
6pm Caravãna Sun
6:45pm Samantha Jade
8pm Sheppard
9pm Fireworks (subject to Emergency Services approval)
SYMPHONY BY THE BEACH, CRONULLA BEACH, FRIDAY 27 JANUARY
3pm Movie screening 'Sing 2' (PG)
5pm Local performers
6pm Engadine Musical Society
6:35pm Miranda Musical Society
7:15pm Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra
